Jerome "Jerry" M. Senesac

Jerome “Jerry” Michael Senesac, age 78, of Prospect Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully on his birthday, November 9, 2025. He was born on November 9, 1947, the oldest of six children to the late Jerome L. and Elsie L. Senesac (née Smith). As the eldest, Jerry often took on the role of caretaker for his younger siblings, helping to support them throughout their childhood.

Jerry spent his early years in Bourbonnais, Illinois, before his family moved to Palatine in 1962. He graduated from Palatine High School in 1965 and attended Saint Procopius College. Soon after, he was drafted into the United States Air Force, where he received specialized training as a communications electronics specialist. Jerry was proud of his service and carried the discipline and technical skill he learned in the Air Force throughout his life.

After being honorably discharged in 1972, Jerry began his civilian career at Honeywell, where his military training served him well as he worked on mainframe computers. He spent many years in the computer industry, witnessing dramatic changes in technology and adapting with both curiosity and capability. In the late 1970s, Jerry joined the Oak Park Ski Club and became an accomplished slalom skier. What began as a weekend hobby grew into a passion, one he shared proudly with family and friends, eventually meeting some of his closest friends — including his future wife, Fran. He qualified for the National Standard of Amateur Racing (NASTAR) national skiing championships in Vail, Colorado, representing the Midwest region, and won top team racer honors in both 1980 and 1981. For Jerry, skiing wasn’t just recreation — it was another place where he felt alive, confident, and connected to the people he loved.

In the early 1990s, Jerry followed his entrepreneurial spirit and became a general contractor, founding CDRC — Creative Decorating Remodeling & Construction. He later worked for Par Development as a superintendent of home construction, where he supervised the building of more than 200 homes, guiding each project from foundation to finish with care and expertise. In 2002, Jerry began a new chapter as a licensed home inspector, completing more than 5,000 inspections of single-family homes, multifamily residences, and commercial properties for over 20 years.

In his free time, Jerry could be found on the Palatine Hills Golf Course, a place that brought him joy, calm, and meaningful friendships. He had been a proud member of the Palatine Hills Golf Association since the 1970s, originally joining as part of his father’s foursome. Golf became one of the great threads of his life—a passion he joyfully passed on to his son, Michael. Together, the two competed in and won numerous Special Olympics golf tournaments, creating cherished memories on the course. Jerry also loved sharing the game with his grandchildren, especially taking his grandson to the driving range or putting green.

On any given day, you could catch Jerry cheering on the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Blackhawks, Notre Dame football, and the Chicago Bears—always holding out hope for another Bears Super Bowl win. He never missed the Masters and enjoyed watching any golf tournament on TV, especially when he could talk about it afterward with family.

Jerry was a deeply involved father and grandfather, attending every basketball game, swim meet, water polo game, piano recital, school performance, and birthday party. He enjoyed the years spent helping out the athletic programs at Saint Emily Parish. He adored his grandchildren, and they adored him right back. He was known for finding the funniest, most unexpected gifts — the kind that brought instant smiles, belly laughs, and memories they will cherish forever.

In his later years, Jerry enjoyed gardening and landscaping, bird watching, and baking. He especially delighted in making oatmeal cookies, banana bread, or animal-shaped cakes, always sharing these treats with his grandchildren while creating memorable moments.

Jerry was married to Fran Volpe for 32 years, and together they shared wonderful memories. He was the proud father of Maryann (Michael) Zaleski and Michael Senesac, and the grandfather of Amelia, Benjamin, and John Zaleski, who were the light of his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Judith Knobloch and Rick Senesac. He is survived by his brothers Christopher (Peggy) Senesac and Timothy (Mary) Senesac, and his sister Diane (Joseph) Gandia. He will also be remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

All are invited to celebrate Jerry’s life during visitation on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL. A second visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL. Interment will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, 1185 Algonquin Rd., Palatine, IL.

A reception will be held at Rolling Green Country Club, overlooking the 18th hole.

Jerry will be remembered for his sense of humor, patience, creativity, and unwavering love for his family. His warmth, his work ethic, and the way he positively impacted the lives of others will live on in the many people who were fortunate to know him.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to GiGi's PlayHouse. GiGi's Playhouse offers free therapeutic, educational and research-driven programs to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. To donate electronically, scroll down and click the link under "Donations" below.